The Last Viking, directed by Oscar-nominated Danish screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen, premiered at Venice in 2025, starring Mads Mikkelsen in a captivating role. The film tells the story of two brothers, Anker and Manfred, whose troubled past and complicated relationship unfold amid quirky and darkly comedic circumstances. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Manfred, who struggles with amnesia and dissociative identity disorder, anchors the film’s exploration of vulnerability and masculinity.
The Premise Sets a Peculiar Yet Poignant Tone
The movie opens with a distinctive hand-drawn animated sequence featuring an anonymous narrator who recounts a myth about a Viking prince who lost his arm in battle. His father, the king, then decreed that everyone must lose their right arm, making disability the norm in this peculiar world. This unusual introduction establishes the film’s blend of dark comedy with heartwarming themes. The narrative quickly shifts to a tense scene where Anker hides a bag of money and asks his younger brother Manfred to swallow the key to a locker where it’s stored. Their sister, Freja, is heard screaming as police sirens wail nearby, setting the stage for the sibling dynamics central to the story.
Mads Mikkelsen’s Complex Performance as Manfred/John</h2>
Fifteen years later, Anker is released from prison and immediately seeks to reclaim the hidden money, but Manfred resists. During his time away, Manfred has developed a condition causing memory loss and multiple personalities, including one who insists he be called John after John Lennon, and bizarrely kidnaps dogs. This eccentric and volatile identity offers Mikkelsen a rare chance to explore a character who is at once shy and explosive, revealing a tender, almost childlike side rarely seen in his previous work. This role highlights Mikkelsen’s versatility and his ability to bring deeply nuanced characters to life.
Recurring Themes and Collaborations in Jensen’s Films
Jensen frequently collaborates with actors such as Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and Nicolas Bro, who take on varied roles as protagonists or antagonists across his films. This ensemble dynamic enhances the depth and continuity of his storytelling. In The Last Viking, Nicolas Bro plays a vengeful adversary whose quest for both revenge and money drives part of the plot. The film’s mix of humor and affection toward its characters is characteristic of Jensen’s work, offering a unique balance of comedy, darkness, and empathy.
A Surprising Middle Act: Music as a Healing Force
Departing from the initial heist and revenge elements, the film’s middle section introduces a group of Danish and Swedish psychiatric patients with dissociative identity disorder, who form a band inspired by The Beatles but primarily perform ABBA songs. This quirky, lighthearted subplot emphasizes themes of healing and camaraderie through music, further enriching the film’s exploration of mental health and human connection.
Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability Through Personal Histories
The Last Viking examines masculinity with humor and sensitivity, portraying emotional strength as a form of protection rather than traditional toughness. Flashbacks reveal that Anker and Manfred suffered abuse from their father, a factor that shaped their fractured but inseparable bond. Manfred’s use of Viking imagery symbolizes a deeper commentary on personal identity and resilience. Jensen’s focus on marginalized or vulnerable characters continues in this film, highlighting complex male experiences and mental health challenges.
The Film’s Significance and Anticipated Impact
By intertwining elements of dark comedy, drama, and musical whimsy, The Last Viking offers a fresh perspective on themes rarely addressed with such nuance in cinema. Mads Mikkelsen’s performance as Manfred/John stands out as a testament to his range, working within Anders Thomas Jensen’s distinctive narrative style. The film promises to resonate with audiences through its heartfelt depiction of sibling relationships and the struggle to reconcile past trauma with identity and hope.
“The world is full of people,” —Anonymous narrator
